Machine for cutting fabrics.



No. 70I,9l0.- Patented June I0, I902.

H. A. MEYER.

MACHINE FOR CUTTING FABRICS.

(Application filed Apr. 18, 1901.)

2 Sheets-Sheet I.

(No Model) III "II I IN VEAI TOR A Home WITNESSES cmms 9mm m. moraumoWASHINGTON o c N0. 70l,9l0. v Patented June. It), I902. H. A. MEYER.MACHINE FOR CUTTING FABRICS.

' (Application flied Apr. 13, 1901.)

(No Model.) 2 Shgts-Sheet 2.

TuuT llllllllllllll I v I TN: NORRIS PETERS up. PHOTG-Lrma. Wnsnlnamn.a. c.'

NITEn STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HENRY A. MEYER, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO THE WOLF ELEC- TRICALPROMOTING COMPANY, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO, A CORPORA- TION OF OHIO.

, }MA;OF| INE FORCUTTING FABRICS.

sPEoiirIcATIon formin part of Letters Patent o. 701,910, dated d'une1902.

A pplica tio n file cl li ril lafieoi.

To all whom it ma cancer-12 1 Be it known that I, 'HENRYAlME-YER, acitizen of the United States; residing-at'Cincinnati, in the county ofwllamilton and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements i i-Machines for Cutting Fabrics; and I doherebydeclarezthe following to be a full, clear, and exact descriptionofthe invention, such as will enable othersskilled in the art to whichit appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to machines forcut ting textile fabrics or othermateriahand more of the reciprocatinga especially to machines cuttertype,.-

The principal objectsjof the inventionare.

. to provide a.simple casy-running, and practically noiseless majchine;to hold the knife or cutter firmly to its work, especially whenoperating at high speeds to prevent undue friction between the knife orits carrier and guide therefor, as well as tendency of the car'- rier tobind between the guides by reason of lateral thrust ,to construct theparts in such manner-that they may be readily replaced when worn orbroken; to provide an improved} device for holding the fabricor.superimposed layers thereof down'before the. knife, and'to improve generall y upon machines of this char The invention will hereinafter befirst fully described with reference to the accompany ing drawings,which form a part of this specication, and then more particularlypointedout in the claims following this description. In said drawings,in which corresponding parts in the several views are designated. .by

like numerals of reference, Figure l is a side elevation of the machine,showing the vertically-reciprocating knife, togetherwith the view on theline 00 a: of Fig. 1.- Fig. 4 is a" part-sectional detail view of themachine, taken from the opposite side shown in Fig.

Serial 115.55,?29. on model.)

lf and indicating the general: arrangement and location of the,presser-foot for the fabric layers. 7 Fig. 5 is ."a perspective View of1 the presser-foot to indicate more clearly the construction thereof. Fig. 6 :shows sep rately in-perspective the several parts or ele-.

ments constituting the driving connections on. one end of thearmature-shaft, including tional view on theline as, Fig.3.

1 Referring to the drawingsbythe referencenumerals, 1 represents thefoot-plate, and 2 the cloth-lifting plate, of a" fabric-cutting machine.Rising centrally,.fro njsaidbase or foot plate is an upright or me ma,between the sides of which is arrangedthevertically reciprocating knifeor, cutter 4 of anydesired form. The upper part of v said;standard 3 isslightly offset to one side and isgrooved or channeledout at 5 toaccommodate the movement-of the. upper part of the jknife'and its,fasteningo to the lower part of..a verticallysliding block or cross-head7. It is very essential that the working or movements of and withoutundue noise or friction, and hence I have provided a special form ofguide therefor, as well as an easy bearing for each of its sides, the.constructionbeing such as to receive allside thrust of either the-blockior .knife' without binding orrinterruption'to rapid working ofeither..; Thus secured to the upperpa'rt of saidstandardorioppositesides of the groove or channelo therein by means. of screws 8 or othersimilar fastenings are guide-plates 9 9, extending downwardly aboutone-half the height of the standard and reaching quite to or above theupper end ofthe latter. The inner vertical edge of each of saidguide-plates is formed or provided with a double bevel 10, (see Fig. 9,)and the the block or crosshead be effected most easily two plates arearranged the proper distance apart to receive the said sliding block orcross-head 7 between them. The vertical edges of the block or cross-headare each formed with a corresponding V-shaped groove 11, into which thebeveled edges of the guideplates 9 9 are snugly received, and it isevident that from this construction the said sliding block or cross-headwill be truly and evenly guided in its movements between the saidplates. It is apparent, of course, that instead of the constructionexplained the edges of the block or cross-head could be beveled and theedges of the plates correspondingly grooved with equally advantageousresults, and it will also be understood that instead of forming theseparts with correspond ing substantially V shaped beveled and groovededges other equivalent forms could be employed. In conjunction with theform of guide explained (although other guides could be employed in someinstances) I preferably employ in connection with each of the verticalor working edges of the said sliding block or cross-head a noiselessantifrictionbearing 12, which can be constructed in various ways, butpreferably as herein shown, so as to derive the most delicate andaccurate adjustments and also have the said bearings assist in guidingthe said sliding block or cross-head. Indeed in some instance I candispense altogether with the beveled edges 10 of the guide-plates 9 andby increasing the number of the said bearings 12 can rely entirely uponthe latter, both as a guide and antifriction device. Preferably,however, I employ the construction herein shown and described, since Iobtain thereby an increased strength and rigidity, besides a greaterresistance to side thrust either of the knife or the said block orcross-head. The said antifriction devices or auxiliary guides are eachconstituted by an outer ring 13, rigid or integral with a threaded bolt14, which passes through the standard at one side of the channel 5therein, and a similar inner ring 15, screwed onto said bolt, the saidrings being formed at their adjacent peripheral edges to provide acontinuous outer groove 16 and a rotatable shell or ring 17, inclosingsaid rings 13 and 15 and formed with an inner annular groove 18, thesaid grooves 16 and 18 forming between them a raceway, within which isarranged a series of balls 19, upon which the outer shell 17 has itsbearing. Each of the rings 13 and 15 is preferably formed with arectangular projection 16 at its outer surface for the application of asuit-able wrench for adjusting the parts. The said rotatable shells orrings 17 are beveled outwardly to a V shape, so as to be received in thecorrespondingly-shaped grooves in the vertical edges of the block orcross-head 7, and it is evident that I have thus obtained a most perfectmeans for the desired easy working and noiseless operation of the saidblock or cross-head. It will also be seen that by means of the innerrings 15 I am enabled to adjust said bearings to a nicety, since thedegree of friction on the balls is regulated by tightening or looseningthe said rings, as may be desired. The bolts 14 are securely held inplace by means of nuts 20, screwing thereon at the opposite side of thestandard or upright. It should be here remarked that the antifrictiondevices 12 are partially received and accommodated in the side portions21 of the lower part of the bracket or shelf 22, upon which the electricmotor 23 is mounted, and that said bolts 14 also pass through said partof said bracket; but said construction is not at all essential and isonly adopted in the present instance for convenience and compactness.The said sliding block or crosshead 7 can be operated or reciprocated indifferent ways; but preferably I employ a pitman or connecting-rod 25for this purpose, operated or actuated from a crank 26, carried at oneend of the main or armature shaft 27 of the said electric motor 23. Thecrank 26 is partially received in a rim 28, formed on the motor-frame 29at one side of the machine, and thus is said crank guided in itsrotation. The latter device is made as light as possible, and it is alsoprovided at the proper point with a suitable weight 30 to increase itsmomentum and to derive the proper driving effect therefrom. It is highlyimportantwith this form of driving mechanism that the connection betweenthe said crank and the pitman be perfectly tight, yet capable of quickaction and easy working without noise or rattling of the parts. Hence Iform integrally with the crank a screwthreaded crank-pin 31, upon whichis fitted a removable or threaded bushing 32, closed at the outer end bya cap 32, adapted to receive a screwdriver or similar implement, theouter surface of said bushing being perfectly smooth or even. The upperend of the said pitman or connecting-rod 25 is formed with a splitbearing 33, preferably having a split lining 34 to receive the wear, andsaid bearing fits the bushing 32 and is adjusted to any degree oftightness by means of the screw 35, the said lining 34 readilyconforming thereto. The lower end of the pitman or connecting-rod isprovided with a similar split bearing 36 and an adjusting or tighteningscrew 38 therefor, as well as a split lining 39, the said bearingfitting upon a pin 40, formed with and projecting from the outer side ofthe cross-head or block. A screw 41 serves to secure the said splitbearing 36 in place upon the said pin 40, which latter is hollow andscrew-threaded to receive said screw. It will thus be seen that all wearbetween the upper end of said pitman or connecting-rod and the crank-pin31 is borne by the lining 34 and the removable bushing 32 and that it isonly necessary to replace one or the other of these parts whenever theconnection finally becomes too loose or too much worn to be remedied bysimple adjustments thereof. Thus, too, is obviated ICC vorero thenecessity of removing the entire crank either to replace it by anotheror to f t orpro vide thesame with a new crank-pin, as would otherwisebe'necessary. .It is also highly important in such a construction andarrangement of parts that the movable connection between the crank andpitman be thoroughly lubricated and which has been practicallyimpossible hithertoon account of the injury to the fabric layers causedby leakage or escape of the oil or other lubricant. For this purpose Iconstruct the said crank-pin 31 hollow, as shown at 44, the inner endthereof leading to and communicating with a cavity orrecess 45, formedin the innerside or surface of the crank, and in both the opening 44 andthe cavity or recess 45 I place a block or quantity of felt or othersuitable material 46, packed in place and which is kept-saturated withoil or other lubricant which'finds its way to the different workingsurfaces through suitable openings 46 and 47, formed'in the bushing 32,and the hollow crank-pin 31, respectively. The lubricant can also'beinjectedinto said openings from-time to time, if desired, so as to alsokeep the felt properly saturated. In some. instances I have found itsuflicient to use said felt in the pin 31 only, in which case I thenfill up or close the recess 45 with a plug of metal or any othersuitable material which can be removed whenever it is'd esired to removeor replace the felt in the pin. If desired, I may use oremploya similarlubricating device for the lower end of the pitman or connecting-rod;but this is vnot necessary in most instances. It will be seen from theconstruction explained that the working of the machine is rendered mosteasy and 6 perfect and that no injury to the fabri'c can possibly occurfrom leakage of mean. 'or' lubricant. It is still further desirable inthis class of machines that the main operating or armature shaft be mostperfect in itsrunning andalso that the connections between the same andthe driving devices proper be'seeure and reliable aswell as capable ofbeing taken apart and replaced whenever necessary or desired.

For this purpose (see Fig. 2) Iconstruct the armature-shaft 27 with anexterior screw-i thread 50 for a suitable distance from itsinner end,and I also preferably bore the shaft for a short distance from the endto provide a receptacle for a lubricant, which receptacle is closed by ascrew-plug 5 1, and an opening 52 in the side of the shaftleadstherefrom,.

Screwing on the said the motor-frame and is formedfor a suitabledistancevwith an exterior screw-thread 57, by

member to revolve therewith and with the armature-shaft and armature. In'orderto reduce the noise and friction of the'parts to ,a minimum, Iform the'exterior surface of the said sleeveor clutch member with an annular groove 58, and Iprovide a oircumfer entially-divided bearingforthe sleeve comsides into a stationary ring 62,satedin lthe rim 28'ofthe motor-frame, the'said rings being so constructed on theirinnersurfac'es at" 62 as to form a groove 62, which unites with" groove58 of the sleeve or clutch memberjto form a raceway forja series ofantifrictionballs 63. I The said stationary ring 62 is formed "all theway through at one point with a thread .ed opening 63%, in which isinserted fr m each side ascrew 64, the heads of which'fbearor impingeupon the outer surf aces of the rings 59 and 60, and thus absolutelyprevent any backward turning of said ringswhilethe shaft is turning. Therings 59and 601ca'n eachbe" unscrewed to any desired extent andag'ainscrewed up tightly by means of a suitable I wrench' or otherwise, andthus are they also the means for effecting the adjustment of thebearing, as is obvious. The r tgwis' held stationary by means of a setscrew 65, enterin g or passing throughtherim 28 on thefr'ame;

too

A similar rim'66 is formed or providedin the motor-frame at the oppositeend of the arma V tureshaft', and in which'rim is also seated a rin 67,held stationary by a screw" cattle said ring having agroove 69 on itsinner 's'urface. Formed on'said shaft at'its outer end is a nut 70, andat this end also the. shaft has an opening 71, having a screw. 72 forclamp C m x in g tothe shaft asuitable grinding whee1 (not shown) forthe knife. Arranged on'said'sha'ft I also'at this (outer) end isanoutelibeveled or conic'al'ring 74 andinner ring 7 5 of similar con- 3rip struction, the two said rings being preferablyv separated by washers76 and between them forming an annular groove 77, which unites with thegroo ve,69 in ring 67 to' rorma rapea way for antifriction balls7,8,.and thu's'it will .be seen that a similar bearing is also providedfor the said outer end of the said main o'r'jarmature shaft, of themotor. Itwillibe understood that the shaft can be screwedup moretightlyin the sleeve or'clutch member application of a wrench to thesaid rigid nut 7 0',

.whichlatter is also anabutmenitjfor the said outer ring. Thesaid'rings74 and 75 are confined in placebetween ,theend 7750i the a r?f mature-core and the said nut 7 O, and it is evif dent that when thearmature: is rotated, the

core thereof, as well asfthe armature-shaft,the

sleeve or clutch member, and'the crank all re; volve therewith. It willalso be see'n that the working of the parts or elements is most easy]and regular and that either or all of them can V be replaced by otherswhen so far worn as to become unfit for further use. It is to beremarked, however, that in virtue of my improved construction andarrangement the longevity of each of the parts is greatly increased,andhence the entire machine is available for use for a considerably longerperiod of time than in most instances hitherto.

The numeral denotes an improved presserfoot,which is carried at thelower end of a plate or bar 81, which is vertically adjustable in aguide 82 on one side of the standard 3, a setscrew 83 being employed tohold or secure the said plate or bar at difierent heights, according tothe height of the fabric layers, upon which the presser-foot is made torest or bear in an obvious manner. The main part 84: of the presser-footis slightly curved upwardly and forwardly of the cutting edge of theknife, being thus substantially concaved on its upper surface and convexon its under surface. By this construction the said presserfoot servesalso as a resistance on one side of the knife for small cuttings orparticles, of cloth, which are carried upwardly by the knife or cutterin its reciprocations, thus avoiding clogging of the knife. The shorterportion 85 of the said main part of the presserfoot extends rearwardlyof the knife,and thus is the severed cloth or fabric aided at this sideof the knife to spread apart, so as not to buckle up and interfere withthe proper working of said knife. Formed with or connected to the plateor bar 81, just above the said curved part 84: of the presser-foot, is aguard 86, extending across the front of the knife, thence rearwardly anddownwardly at 87, and finally terminating in an auxiliary curved foot88, corresponding to the portion 85 of the main presser-foot 80. Theconstruction and arrangement of the said presser-foot as a whole givesuperior results hitherto unattainable with other forms in use, since invirtue of the peculiarly-curved formation of the said guard andauxiliary presser-foot a yielding resistance to the bulging of thefabric is derived, which better enables the cut or divided portions ofthe fabric to pass to opposite sides of the knife during the forwardmovement of the machine in the cutting operation.

The handle for the machine is indicated at 95, by means of which themachine is moved over the surface of the table or support for the fabriclayers.

In order to adjust or compensate for any wear which may occur betweenthe edges of the sliding block and the guide-plates 9 9 thereof, thescrew-holes of one of the latter plates (to the right, Fig. 1) areelongated transversely, as shown at a, by which said plate can be movedinwardly and tightened in place in an obvious manner. After the plate isthus moved suitable screws 1) (shown in dotted lines) are adjustedinwardly to back up said plate at its outer edge. If desired, a

suitable outer shield or guard can be employed to protect the workingparts of the machine from dust and dirt; but I have not considered itnecessary to illustrate the same herein.

It will be understood that the machine is susceptible of variousmodifications in details of construction and arrangement withoutdeparting from the scope of my invention.

I make no claim herein to the motor-driven shaft and its connectionswith the reciprocatory knife or tool, since these form the subject of aseparate or divisional application filed June 12, 1901, and havingSerial No. 68,103.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, anddesire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is-

1. In a fabric-cutting machine, a foot-plate having a standard arisingtherefrom provided with confronting guideways, a block carrying a knifefitted between and engaging said guideways, auxiliary rotary guides forsaid block, and means for reciprocating the latter; substantially asdescribed.

2. In a fabric-cutting machine, a foot-plate having a standard arisingtherefrom provided with confronting guideways, a block carrying a knifefitted between and engaging said guideways, auxiliary rotary guides forsaid block, antifriction-bearings for said rotary guides, and means forreciprocating the block; substantially as described.

3. In a fabric-cutting machine, a slideway, a reciprocatory blocktherein, the two having corresponding beveled and grooved guiding edges,rotary rings or shells also guiding the block, a knife carried by saidblock, and means for operating the block, substantially as described.

4:. In a fabric-cutting machine, a slideway, a reciprocatoryknife-carrying block therein, the two having interengaging beveled andgrooved guiding edges, and auxiliary rotary guides for said block,substantially as described.

5. In a fabric-cutting machine, a slideway, a reciprocatoryknife-carrying block therein, the two having corresponding beveled andgrooved guiding edges, rotary auxiliary guides for said block, andantifriction-bearings for said guides, substantially as described.

6. In a fabriecutting machine, a slideway, a reciprocatoryknife-carrying block therein, the two having beveled and grooved guidingedges, and rotary auxiliary guides for the block comprising rings orshells constructed in conformity with the edges of said block,substantially as described.

7. In a fabric-cutting machine, a slideway, a reciprocatory blocktherein, the two having corresponding V-shaped beveled and groovedguiding edges, and rotary rings or shells also serving to guide theblock and provided with ball-bearings, substantially as described.

8. In a fabric-cutting machine, the standard formed with theslideway,the guide-plates at the sides of the latter having beveledguid--.

ing edges, a reciprocatory block in said slideway havingcorrespondingly-grooved guiding edges, and antifriction-bearing's alsoat the sidesiof the slideway', said bearings each comprising ascrew-bolt havi'ng'an "integral ring rotary auxiliary guides for saidblock, and an- .tifriction-bearings for said auxiliary guides;

substantially as described.

10. In a fabric-cutting machine,a foot-plate having a standard risingtherefrom provided with confrontingguideways, fixed rotatable deviceslocated in said guideways, a reciprocatory knife-carrying block fittedbetween said guideways and engaging said rotary: de-

vices, and a inotor on said standard forre ciprocating said block:

In testimony whereof -I affix my signature in p'resence of twowitnesses.

' HENRY A; M Y R.

Witnesses r I V J SWEENEY, -WM. "A; FLYNN.

